Simon Kariuki

Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya

Simon Kariuki is a Principal Research Officer at the Kenya Medical Research Institute/Center for Global Health Research (KEMRI/CGHR) and the Malaria Branch Chief in the KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration. He holds a Doctorate degree in immunology and parasitology from the Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. In 2004, Dr. Kariuki was awarded a CDC/APHL International Emerging Infectious Disease Fellowship to pursue postdoctoral training at Malaria Branch, CDC, Atlanta. Upon his return to Kenya in 2005, he was appointed the KEMRI/CDC Malaria Lab Director. He was appointed the KEMRI/CDC Malaria Branch Chief in March 2009. Dr. Kariuki has attended several specialized international courses on immunology, biotechnology, surveillance of communicable diseases, and leadership and management for African scientists. Dr. Kariuki has more than 19 years experience in research. His research focuses on the mechanisms of acquired immunity to malaria in young children and pregnant women, the relationship between malaria transmission and parasite diversity, the mechanisms of microbial resistance to drugs, malaria vaccine development, and clinical trials of available and potential tools for malaria control. His other interests include health systems research and understanding community perceptions on disease prevention. He is the recipient of several research grants and has authored/coauthored more than 43 publications in international peer-reviewed journals.